LEDBURY landlords have welcomed prompt action by police to deal with trouble at the Seven Stars pub.

Police used CS spray to restore order on Wednesday, January 21, after being called to the pub.

Two men were arrested and charged with a number of public order offences.

Punch Pub Company and licensees Ian and Sharon Stone have issued a statement thanking fellow publicans and police for advice and support, following the incident.

Now publicans are calling for the town's Behave or be Banned scheme to be activated if anyone is convicted in relation with the incident.

This would lead to offenders being barred for at least 12 months from every pub in the Ledbury area.

David Tegg, manager of the Royal Oak in the Southend, said: "We have to look after each other with the scheme. It does sadden me that this has happened, in such a nice little town as Ledbury, which doesn't deserve it."

Karen Brooks, landlady of the Ring of Bells in New Street, said: "Following any convictions, I would expect the town- wide ban to be enforced."

She said it appeared that the police had responded very quickly to the incident.

The Seven Stars only re-opened last autumn, following the fire of July 2001 and a £1m restoration programme.

The Behave or be Banned scheme came into force last September, following a fight involving ten people at the Feathers Hotel and another fight outside The Bull.